CFD Risk Assessment & Mitigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which plant is associated with calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and is commonly used in floral arrangements?
- Calla lily (Zantedeschia) (Correct answer)
- Gerbera daisy
- Alstroemeria
- Lisianthus
Correct answer: Calla lily (Zantedeschia)
Calla lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals throughout the plant, which cause burning, swelling, and irritation if ingested or if sap contacts mucous membranes.
Question 2: A florist is preparing a large installation requiring overhead ladder work. What OSHA-related risk mitigation is most important?
- Ensuring the ladder is rated for the combined weight of the worker and materials and is placed on a stable surface (Correct answer)
- Wearing non-slip shoes and working slowly
- Having a colleague watch from below in case of a fall
- Completing overhead work first before placing floor-level elements
Correct answer: Ensuring the ladder is rated for the combined weight of the worker and materials and is placed on a stable surface
OSHA fall protection standards require that ladders support at least four times the intended load and be placed on stable, level surfaces to prevent tip-over accidents.
Question 3: What is the primary risk of using improperly cured or untreated dried botanicals in floral arrangements for indoor events?
- Residual moisture can lead to mold growth that contaminates surrounding décor and triggers allergic reactions (Correct answer)
- Dried botanicals are too rigid and can puncture other fresh materials in the arrangement
- Untreated dried materials fade faster under event lighting
- They may attract insects that were present during the drying process
Correct answer: Residual moisture can lead to mold growth that contaminates surrounding décor and triggers allergic reactions
Insufficiently dried botanicals retain moisture that fosters mold growth, releasing spores into enclosed event spaces and potentially triggering respiratory reactions.
Question 4: When a floral designer works with a corporate client requiring confidentiality about a product launch event, which risk management practice is most appropriate?
- Sign a non-disclosure agreement before discussing event details and train all staff on confidentiality obligations (Correct answer)
- Verbally agree to keep event details private without formal documentation
- Only share event details with the lead designer, not assistants
- Post blank placeholders on social media to show event work without revealing client details
Correct answer: Sign a non-disclosure agreement before discussing event details and train all staff on confidentiality obligations
A signed NDA creates a legally enforceable obligation for all parties and establishes clear consequences for breaches, which verbal agreements do not provide.
Question 5: A customer complains that a funeral arrangement wilted within 12 hours of delivery. What documentation would BEST help the florist assess and respond to this claim?
- Temperature logs from the cooler, delivery time stamps, and photo documentation taken before delivery (Correct answer)
- The original purchase invoice and the customer's signed delivery receipt
- Staff testimony about the condition of flowers at time of arrangement
- The supplier's original packing slip showing the flowers were fresh at the time of shipment
Correct answer: Temperature logs from the cooler, delivery time stamps, and photo documentation taken before delivery
Cooler logs, delivery timestamps, and pre-delivery photos provide an objective, timestamped record of flower condition and handling, which is the strongest evidence in quality disputes.
Question 6: Which of the following represents a financial risk specific to the floral design industry that should be addressed in a business risk management plan?
- Seasonal price volatility of wholesale flowers affecting profit margins on pre-quoted event contracts (Correct answer)
- Customers preferring artificial flowers over fresh flowers
- Competition from grocery store floral departments on everyday arrangements
- Difficulty hiring experienced floral designers in the local market
Correct answer: Seasonal price volatility of wholesale flowers affecting profit margins on pre-quoted event contracts
When wholesale flower prices spike after a contract is signed at a fixed price, the florist absorbs the cost difference, directly eroding or eliminating profit margins.
Question 7: What is the safest method for disposing of floral foam (oasis) waste given its environmental and workplace safety profile?
- Seal in plastic bags and dispose in solid waste (landfill); do not pour foam particles down drains (Correct answer)
- Dissolve in water and pour down the drain in small quantities
- Compost with organic floral waste since it is a plant-based product
- Return used foam to the supplier for recycling under their take-back program
Correct answer: Seal in plastic bags and dispose in solid waste (landfill); do not pour foam particles down drains
Floral foam is a non-biodegradable phenol-formaldehyde plastic; particles must not enter waterways via drains, and landfill disposal in sealed bags is the current industry-recommended method.
CFD Risk Assessment & Mitigation 3
Which plant is associated with calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and is commonly used in floral arrangements?